Steve Kaufusi Named Defensive Line Coach

Jeff Reynolds | BYU Athletic Communications | Posted Jan 11, 2002

Steve Kaufusi, Defensive Line Coach

PROVO -- Brigham Young University Head Football Coach Gary Crowton announced today the hiring of Steve Kaufusi to replace retiring Tom Ramage as defensive line coach. Kaufusi, who has been a member of Ron McBride's coaching staff at Utah since 1994, is returning to coach at his alma mater, where he lettered as a defensive lineman in 1986 and 1987.

"Steve brings a wealth of credibility and experience to our coaching staff," said Coach Crowton. "He is an outstanding coach, motivator and recruiter. We are excited to have him as part of the BYU football program."

Kaufusi began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at the University of Utah in 1994. The following year he was added to the full-time staff as defensive line coach.

In eight seasons, Kaufusi coached All-American Luther Elliss (1994 WAC Defensive Player of the Year) and five additional first-team All-Conference linemen including John Frank, the 1999 Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Year. Kaufusi also coached his younger brother Jason, who was named MWC Co-Freshman of the Year in 2000 and first-team All-Conference in 2001.

Off the field, Kaufusi has been an outstanding recruiter and is credited with landing several of Utah's top players, including 1995 WAC Freshman of the Year Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala, currently in the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

"It's an honor for me both personally and professionally to return to BYU as a part of Coach Crowton's football staff," said Kaufusi. "I look forward to working with the coaching staff and the players to continue the great winning football tradition at BYU."

As a defensive lineman at BYU, Kaufusi made the WAC honorable mention all-conference team in 1987 and was named BYU's best conditioned athlete. Prior to his BYU career, he was an all-conference junior college player at Dixie College. Kaufusi was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1988 and played in the NFL for four seasons (1988-91). In 1992, he played for the London Monarchs of the World League of American Football.

Following his playing career, Kaufusi completed his bachelor's degree in recreation management/ administration at BYU in 1994. He is married to the former Michelle Garrick. They have five children: Alexis 12, Bronson 10, Corbin 8 and five-year-old twins Devin (boy) and Daryl (girl).